32 hours in the Philadelphia penal system...

[PhillyKev 0]

For those who read my about my problem, here's the latest episode. For those who haven't, the short story is, my ex-girlfriend was pissed that I broke up with her and threatened and harassed me until I stopped taking her calls. At that point she made up a story about me beating her up and coming after her with a gun. Conveniently this supposedly happened 6 weeks before she reported so there was no evidence one way or another and they issued a restraing order based on her word. I haven't had any contact or dealings with her at all, since befpre that was issued. But apparently, she made something else up, because here was the result.

Day1 6:30AM Friday
I'm sleeping, loud knock at the door, repeatedly, getting louder. Slip on clothes and check the door. 10 police officers in street clothes and windbreakers holding a battering ram standing at the door. I open it and say, "I guess you want to come in?" They do. They tell me there is a warrant for my arrest for violating a PFA. I ask if I can call work, they let me, they ask where my gun is, I tell them I turned it into the police weeks ago. They briefly look around, tell me to put on some shoes. I pick some up, they take out the shoelaces and remove my belt. Then they handcuff me and take me outside in front of all my neighbors since they were ringing all the buzzers in the building to be let in, as well as my landlord.

Day1 07:00
I'm in the back of an undercover with my hands behind my back as we enter "the Badlands". An area of N. Philly notorious for drug dealing and shootings and considered the largest open air heroin market in the US. For anyone familiar with the city, it's Erie Ave. around Allegheny. I sit in the car as they serve a warrant at a run down house where the target is not home. Than we move on to a large abandoned house that at some time in the past was probably a very nice home. It's now a crack house. They bring a guy out (I later find out is named David a/k/a Deuce) and put him handcuffed in the seat next to me. He reeks of bug spray, presumably to keep the roach's off of him. He asks what he's being charged with, and they tell him someone said he shot them yesterday in a dispute over money.

Day1 08:00
Taken to the police station. Since we were all the way up in the Badlands, I get put into custody of the 25th district in the middle of the Badlands. They put me in the holding area, handcuff me to the wall and ask me medical questions. Deuce says he's sick, they drag a trash can over to him and he throws up into it.

Day1 08:30
I am searched, handcuffs removed and led to a cell. It's about 7x9 with a wood bench and a metal toilet and sink. There's dried blood on the wall, and the sink and toilet are encrusted with urine, blood, vomit and feces. I spend the time going out of my mind wondering how long this is going to last and what the hell I can do about this. I've now lost my freedom because of the unsubstantiated pro se testimony of an unstable ex-girlfriend. I'm hungry, haven't showered since the previous morning, haven't brushed my teeth or had a drink of water since the night before when I went to bed. And not planning to drink out of the blood and vomit encrusted sink.

Day1 11:00
After a couple hours waiting for them to book me, listening to other prisoners screaming for the "turn key" to complain about hunger, sickness, withdrawal, being framed, or being beaten by police I get the attention of the turn key as he comes past and ask him if I can have something to dring. He says, "just a minute" and walks away.

Day1 12:30
They bring me a sandwich of stale white bread with single piece of government cheese and a half pint of warm iced tea. I eat it, drink the iced tea, and ball up the carton to make a crude hackey sack.

Day1 13:30
The turn key is passing by, I ask him when I get to make a phone call. He says I should have been given one when I came in. Told him I wasn't. He goes away, comes back and tells me my paperwork says I refused the opportunity to make a phone call. I say that's ridiculous, I have a lawyer, why the hell would I not make a call? He walks away.

Day1 15:30
I'm going stir crazy. I've been kicking the iced tea carton around for hours. I still don't know specifically why I am here, haven't had a chance to call my lawyer. I start yelling out the 1 inch slot of my door for the turn key. 15 minutes later he come by, I ask when I can make a phone call, he says I refused the opportunity and walks away. At this point I start kicking the shit out of the wood bench in my cell because I'm frustrated and have nothing better to do.

Day1 17:00
Hooray...12.5 hours into this and I'm finally being booked. They take me to another room, finger print me, take my mug shot, and then take me back to my cell. On the way they give me a sandwich of stale white bread with a single slice of government cheese and half a pint of warm iced tea.

Day1 19:30
I spent the last couple hours playing soccer against my self with a crushed up 1/2 pint carton. They come to my cell and tell me I'm being transported to The Roundhouse (philadelphia city jail) for arraignment. Finally, I'm going to get out on bail and get the hell out of here. They take me out of my cell, wrap a chain around my waist, handcuff my hands in front of me and to the chain.

Day1 20:00
Me and 3 other prisoners arrive from the 25th district police to city jail. We're led to a holding cell. I'm sitting with Deuce, and another guy named Steve. Steve was picked up for retail theft (shop lifting). He's probably pushing 50. Deuce starts telling me the story of the police coming in his crack house when I was sitting in the car. He says he was hanging out with his bitch when the knock comes on the door. He just finished smoking some rock and didn't want to deal with the cops. He hid his gun behind a wall and was getting ready to run out the back when another crack head opened the door for the police. They stormed in and grabbed him. His "bitch" had already grabbed his rock and cash and jumped out the back window and took off. They didn't have a search warrant, just an arrest warrant, so took him in but didn't get the gun. And anyway, he didn't shoot anyone, but that sonofabitch that dimed him out for shooting him is going to pay for talking to the cops instead of taking care of it in the neighborhood.

Day1 20:30
We're unshackled and taken back to the nurse. She interviews us about medical problems. I'm 3rd and notice the other two both accept her offer of motrin (apparently they just offer it to everyone that comes in). I take the 4 pills she gives me, and give 2 each to Steve and Deuce. They both down their 6 pills. Then we're put into the sweat tank. This is a 20x20 room with a urinal in the back, a water fountain (clean!!) and a bunch of benches. As we're led into the room we're each given a sandwich of stale whitebread and a slice of goverment cheese with a warm half pint of iced tea. There's about a dozen of us in there. 9 black guys, 2 latinos and me. Deuce and Steve both recognize some of the other black guys and they start talking about friends from their neighborhoods, who's in what prison, who did what, who remembers so-and-so that was shot, who remembers so-and-so who was a good guy but too bad he's up for life for cutting up his bitch, etc. Everyone is telling war stories of life as gangster drug dealing criminals. I've already assessed the situation and decided it would be a good idea to have friends. So, I play the role of someone who lives on the periphary of their world and participate in the conversations. I talk about imaginary drug busts and run-ins with the police making sure to mostly listen and just agree with their assesments of what daily life living on the streets is like. Fortunately I haven't showered, am wearing some ratty jeans and a t-shirt and don't look too much outside the part.

In the sweat tank are pay phones that we can use freely. My lawyer's office is obviously closed. I have his pager but no incoming calls so that won't help. I call my mom, tell her what's going on. And ask her to get in contact with my lawyer and call my brother-in-law (a cop in the suburbs) to be ready to come down and bail me out when I have the chance. My mom asks me who she should call to get me out, I tell her no one. I tell her I'll probably be here until the morning. She tells me to try and get some sleep, I tell her that's probably not a great idea.

In the sweat tank for a long time. More people are brought in. Some more drug dealers that Deuce and Steve know. A couple of them own the corner at Erie and Allegheny. They're all talking about their busts. About the 5 quarters of coke and $2500 they had on them but ditched when they ran, cops only found one of the quarters and no cash. All of them brought in from street raids, though, we're caught with guns. Some with drugs, some without, but all with guns. They're talking about shootouts they've had, where good alleys are to get the drop on someone, and about the $12,000 of crack and powder they move at their corner a day.

A couple of drunk flyers fans are brought in for fighting. They're pretty much passed out in the corner. They're the only other white guys, but I've already ingratiated myself with the drug dealers and murderers and they're talking shit about them, so I stay with my new "friends".

Another white guy is brought in. He's overweight and dorky looking pushing 50 wearing the t-shirt for a local oldies station. He was busted buying crack. He zooms in on me and wants to be my friend. I try to put him at ease without losing touch with the guys I know I need to be friendly with if I want to stay relatively safe. He tries joining in the conversations with them as well, but starts talking about drug legalization and political issues and blah blah blah. I, for once, stay out of the political talk and just try to stay street. This guy wants to legalize drugs so he doesn't get in trouble for buying crack, meanwhile the crack dealers are making their livings off it being illegal, so I side with them.

More people are coming in, no one is being taken out. More drug dealers, etc. All of them seem to no someone else there. Then, another white guy is brought in. Red wrist band so it's a narcotics charge. (I have a yellow one which for me is contempt of a court order, but also indicates assault so it gives me some jail house credibility as not being a pussy). This new guy is the typical computer geek. Bowl hair cut, button down shirt, khakis, thick glasses. He walks in and the dealer I'm talking to says, "Damn, look at computer guy over there. Hey, dude, whatchoo do? Steal some floppy disks?" Everyone laughing at him. He's cowering in the corner right at the door. They're yelling shit at him, calling him names. A minute later the nurse comes to the door, a guard opens it, she calls for him, Alfred, and takes him away. I joke and say, "Damn, I should play the dorky computer nerd white guy (which is what in reality, I am) so I can get processed faster." One of the dealers says he overheard the nurse saying that Alfred was suicidal and was being taken for 72 hours observation.

Day2 has rolled around at some point. We were given another sandwich of stale white bread with government cheese and half pint of warm iced tea. Same conversations and comings and goings continue. Every once in a while, female prisoners, mostly prostitutes, are lined up outside the tank to either be released or bussed to prison. Everyone yells comments at them, and occasionaly one of them nods off while standing there and face plants on the floor.

Day2 03:00
I'm being taken for my pre-arraignment interview. I go to a room with 5 computer screens and telephones. The computer screen I sit at is broken, but I pick up the phone. I can hear a voice very faintly asking me something. I can't understand and say I can barely hear. She says, "Are you fucking deaf?" I say, no, the connections bad, press it hard against my ear, press my palm against my other ear and struggle to hear her. Answer a bunch of questions about where I life, what I do, how much I make, etc. This is to determine if I'm eligible for bail. Finish that interview and then we're led out of the room. we're each given another stale white bread and gov't cheese sandwich and half pint of iced tea. I can't eat anymore of these fucking sandwiches, even though I'm starving, but feel like I might be getting out soon. I drink the iced tea and give the sandwich to one of the "owners" of Erie and Allegheny. He tells me, "you alright, dawg."

Now, we're led to the D block. Up until now, everything was bearable. Now I was getting worried. I was put into a cell, 5 feet by 7 feet, with a sheet metal bunk and a steel sink and toilet. Oh yeah, and 4 other guys. 3 of them were squeezed onto the bunk. One was laying on the floor next to it. I crawled underneath the bunk and laid down on the urine and grime on the concrete floor. I actually slept a little.

Day2 08:30
A couple of the guys in our cell were taken out, so I managed to get to sit at the end of the steel bunk and lean against the wall. Dozed in and out there for awhile.

Day2 10:30
I'm taking out with a dozen guys to a holding cell. We're waiting for our bail hearings. Some of the guys I know from the sweat tank and we're talking about shit, joking around. The older dealers and I seem to get along ok. The "young bulls", though are not too friendly with whitey. No problems but they basically ignore me, under less supervision, I'm sure there would be problems. Finally getting my bail hearing. Sit down at a monitor with a phone. The monitor is split into quarters, the judge, the DA, my public defender, and me in each. The judge reads the charges: stalking, terroristic threats, harassment, and criminal contempt. He tells me if I didn't have a stable job and no record I'd be going to prison, but he gives me $2500 bail. And he tells me that if the complainent says that I have done anything else and I appear before him again, I'm getting no bail and going to prison until my trial at the end of March.

Day2 11:00
I call my Mom, tell her I can get bailed out and ask her to come get me. Go back to one of the cells and wait standing in the corner for 2 hours until she comes down and the process the paperwork.

Finally got home around 2pm today. 32 hours later. Took a long shower, got some food, drank a beer and took a nap. Oh, but before that, called my lawyer. Meeting with him Monday. He's going to file a discovery motion to find out what I'm accused of because I have no fucking idea!!!! All I know is, the bitch said I did something, what or when I supposedly did it, I don't know. I'm hoping it was last weekend since I wasn't even in the country, that should be a pretty good alibi, I hope. Asked my lawyer what I can do so that she can't do this to me anymore. His only advice was to stay around other people as much as possible so that I have an alibi. Woke up after my nap and called around but no one is home. Going to get a good night sleep in my bed tonight and if no one is around close by in the morning, guess I'll spend the day with my Mom.

Two more weeks until I finally get the chance to present the evidence I have of her threatening to do exactly what she has done to get back at me for breaking up with her.

I never knew anyone could be so fucking evil.

[PhillyKev 0]

Just as I was posting this, police cars with sirens screaming came past my house. My heart jumped into my throat but they were just passing by. This is going to be a long couple of weeks.

[tunaplanet 0]

Well this is one version of the story. Wonder what the police's version along with your ex-girlfriend's version is?

Forty-two

[Chiquita 14]

Dude, that sucks. I knew there were some psycho people out there but that is crazy. I hate women like that, it gives the rest of us a bad name.

I hope everything works out for you.

"Ego is the anesthesia that deadens the pain of stupidity"

[Blahr 0]

Jesus dude

I dont even know what to say.
Glad you are home.

[diverdriver 6]

All I can say is DAYUM!!!!!!!!

...oh and...you're alright dawg.

Hope things start to look up for you. That f'n sucks.

[freeflir29 0]

Wow....first of all....that's whacked! Second of all...Sorry.....but I laughed hysterically at several good quotes in your story. I did 12-15 hours once on a total mistake. Luckily I walked out of the court room the next day with everything dropped. I'm not gonna tell you what I might consider doing in this case since I'm a Fed and all. I'll just say.....you did make some "friends" during your ordeal. Wanna go out for a cheese sandwich?

[jumpinfarmer 0]

I'm glad I'm not you. When your done you can write a book, or be on Jerry Springer.

[PhillyKev 0]

Quote

Well this is one version of the story. Wonder what the police's version along with your ex-girlfriend's version is?

Well...the police's version is "We're sorry we have to do this, but the judge signed an order." The only time the police have been involved in anything have been when I called them. To have her removed from my house. Here are the police report numbers DCN 03-06-070233, DCN 03-26-86273

I told you what her story is. Her story is that I beat her up and chased her with a gun on New Year's Eve But she didn't tell that story to anyone until 6 weeks later, after we went out for my birthday, after I broke up with her, and after she left the following messages on my voice mail, which if you'd like, I'll play for you.

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January 6, 2004 (home phone)
Didn’t know you were a fucking asshole. You want your phone you’re going to have to come to my house and get it. I have your phone, I have the key to your apartment, and you’re not getting it until you fucking talk to me you piece of shit.

January 6, 2004 (home phone)
You need to pick the phone up, Kevin. You need to pick the phone up. What are you out with somebody else already? Pick the phone up Kevin.

January 6, 2004 (home phone)
You need to answer your phone. I have no more change and you’re making me stand out here on the fucking street calling you. My phone does not work. You need to answer your phone please. Kevin, answer your god damn phone please. You never gave a shit about me. What are you out at the strip bar again? What are you doing, Kevin? I’m on my way back over. I’m coming back over. I want my fucking shit. Please answer the god damn phone. I fucking hate you, you son of a bitch. You wanted me to leave for a reason. Who are you with right now, Kevin? Who are you with? You fucking bastard, you know my phone is not working. Why did you do that, Kevin? Huh?

January 12, 2004 1:16am (cell phone)
Kevin why is your phone off? Who are you with your cell phone is never off? Who are you with? You’re so quick to be with somebody else. That was fast. That was fast. We have an argument and you’re with somebody else right now. You don’t love me you never did. Cheater.

January 12, 2004 1:19am (cell phone)
You fucking bastard you. I hate you so much you fucking bastard you. I’m going to wait for you outside of your fucking house. I’m going to make sure I fuck your life up. Don’t ever fucking lie to me like this again. You’re a piece of shit.

January 19, 2004 (home phone)
Kevin if you’re there, pick the phone up. You know dude, you’re a fucking bastard. You ain’t fucking shit. You ain’t nothing but a fucking liar. You’re out with somebody else right now and you’re a liar. You’re a dick. You’re fucking ignorant. You’re ignorant. I fucking think you’re such a fucking ass hole. I hope your life is so miserable. I will make it miserable. You piece of shit.

Do you think I'd post this shit if I did anything wrong? Just because we don't agree in some of the political threads is no reason for you to be a jerk.

[freeflir29 0]

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Just because we don't agree in some of the political threads is no reason for you to be a jerk.

Hey now....you aren't losing your sense of humor already are you?

[skybytch 273]

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Just because we don't agree in some of the political threads is no reason for you to be a jerk.

A very good point.

Kev, if/when you make it down here to FL I'll have a nice cold glass of iced tea for ya.

Hang in there. What does not kill us....

[Michele 1]

Jeezley crow, Kev. How absolutely shitty.

How fun would it be if the BS she's accused you of was when you were out of town...because then you not only have her dead to rights as the whole thing being false, but the cops/courts now have lots of time and $$ invested in this, and they don't like being played...and it would be sooooooo much easier to nail her on false reporting, et cetera, with that kind of alibi.

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Kev, if/when you make it down here to FL I'll have a nice cold glass of iced tea for ya.

Shit, Lis, make it a Long Island Ice Tea, as many as he can drink. Kev, the offer is there should you make it this out way.

You're in my prayers, Kev. I am really sorry you're dealing with this.

Ciels-
Michele

~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek
While our hearts lie bleeding?~

[PhillyKev 0]

you alright, dawg.

No, sense of humor still in tact. Just don't think this is a funny situation, and don't think he was joking.

I've always thought that abusive guys are fucking assholes and still do. I've never hit a woman in my life, and never would. But after this I'm not as willing to take someones word for it. She told me all about her ex-boyfriend and stuff he did, and I tried to comfort her for it. Now I think it was all just a lie. I think this girl NEEDS to have a stalker, so she creates imaginary ones.

Oh, and for further evidence I can show him my bedroom door that she kicked down when I locked myself in there after she grabbed the butcher knife.

[tunaplanet 0]

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Just because we don't agree in some of the political threads is no reason for you to be a jerk.

Not being a jerk. Just curious what her version would be. Afterall, even you would agree her version is most likely different than yours.

And yes, I am a jerk. Actually asshole is more like it. What can I say, it's part of my charm.

Forty-two

[Guest]

Man, that is so F***'d!!!

At least the Baltimore County lockup was clean (at least when I spent 12 hours there back in 1990). I was miserable psychologically, but physically, I was comfortable.

I had the opportunity to visit the Snohomish County gov't building recently to get fingerprinted for a security clearance. There was an overpowering smell of disinfectant or something. I asked the clerk what it was, and she said it was from the lockups which were upstairs...

Making false accusations of criminal wrongdoing is a punishable offense. If all this is legit, I hope your lawyer cleans her clock in court.

Bet you're glad you didn't marry her or something...

mh

.

"The mouse does not know life until it is in the mouth of the cat."

[freeflir29 0]

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She told me all about her ex-boyfriend and stuff he did, and I tried to comfort her for it.

Very common sadly. My ex-wife did the same thing. She told me stories of her last relationship when I met her and she told some REAL DOOZIES about me to her current husband. How I used to beat her and raped her....pretty crazy. My advice....this bitch is whacked. Get it taken care of NOW.

[PhillyKev 0]

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Bet you're glad you didn't marry her or something...

The really messed up thing is, we only went out for 3 months. Then she went psyco. We've almost been broken up that long. I mean, jesus christ, get over it already.

[PhreeZone 20]

Kev, if you need a place to stay out of Philly let me know. I'll have a spare room in 2 weeks. I can't promise anything like cheese sandwiches, I usually have 2 bottles of wine in the fridge and a bottle of vodka on top of it ready for quick shots...

Yesterday is history
And tomorrow is a mystery

Parachutemanuals.com

[PhillyKev 0]

Thanks for the offer. I have to stay around for my job. Have a friend that lives a couple of blocks away, hopefully I can get in touch with him tomorrow and stay with him as an alibi.

What sucks, though, is all an alibi is good for is the trial. Even if I have one, she just has to say I did something to a judge, they sign an order, and I get picked up and go through this again.

I'm thinking it was a mistake to have the hearing for the temporary PFA continued. Might have had it dismissed already. Going to ask my lawyer on Monday about getting the hearing moved up if possible.

[crzjp20 0]

im not a lawyer and im not a cop but if you ask to speak to your lawyer they have to honro that request dont they?? i mean it is one of the meranda right! So if you say i want to call my lawyer dont they have to let call him??? just curious caseu i really dont know

--------------------------------------------------
Fear is not a confession of weakness, it is an oportunity for courage.

[wingnut 0]

damn dude..... that's all i can say... oh and masive civil suit for time lost and damage tio your chrecter and mental anguish........ well that's what i would do atleast.......

p.s. never will forget how we rolled up on you ina golf cart at wffc at like 7am.... to wierd...

______________________________________
"i have no reader's digest version"

[Kennedy 0]

You ever make it down to Alabama, or Carolina once I get there, you have a roof as long as you want one and a one night all-the-brain-cells-you-can-kill free tab at my place. Ah hell man, you have that anyway. Best of luck.

you alright, dawg

witty subliminal message
Guard your honor, let your reputation fall where it will, and outlast the bastards.
1*

[Kennedy 0]

They only have to get your lawyer if they are asking you questions. Otherwise, after the phone call, you are SOL through processing.

witty subliminal message
Guard your honor, let your reputation fall where it will, and outlast the bastards.
1*

[panzwami 0]

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Jeezley crow, Kev. How absolutely shitty.

How fun would it be if the BS she's accused you of was when you were out of town...because then you not only have her dead to rights as the whole thing being false, but the cops/courts now have lots of time and $$ invested in this, and they don't like being played...and it would be sooooooo much easier to nail her on false reporting, et cetera, with that kind of alibi.

damn....she wasn't that one woman that "lost" her $200 million lottery ticket, was she? You know, the one that turned out to be someone elses because she was totally lying about the whole damn thing? After reading all this, it wouldn't surprise me at all.

Matt
-----

[slug 1]

] I hope your kidding us. Aprial 1, isn't untill next month.

A whole new meaning to the group "W" Bench.

Remember the ride in the elevator with the physco after the PFD hearing?

Go home and stay with your momma 24/7. Don't leave the house and don't answer the phone.

The women is going to continue sending the cops after you. You could end up in Gitmo for years before the end of the week and we'll never hear from you again.

Do us a favor and destroy the hard drive on you computer or we're going to be next!

Just kidding either this is a sick joke or a very bad soap opera.

Good luck

R.I.P.

I love my country, I don't know phil, I don't exist!